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“As if there’s something going on when there absolutely is not.”
“You said it, not me.” She shrugs.
“Besides, I’m sort of seeing someone. An old flame.”
“Oh?” She smiles before her attention is pulled from me. “Hey!” Her arm snakes out as she beckons someone over.
I turn and grimace when I see Jess. She freezes when she sees me before awkwardly walking over, probably realising it’s too late to stop now.
“Jess!” Belle grins. “Hi!”
“Hey,” she replies, noticeably less cheerful than her friend. Jess is a tall girl with light hair and rosy cheeks. She looks a lot more mature than she did four years ago. She no longer wears glasses, and her hair is much longer. She looks well—not that I want to give her any compliments. That girl has always gotten under my skin. She was like a bad smell I could never get rid of.
“This is Josie!”
“I know,” she replies a little flatly. “Hey, Josie.”
“Jess.” I smile sweetly.
“You two know each other?” Belle asks, oblivious to the tension.
“This is Josie,” Jess says a little firmly. “The girl Nick is seeing again.”
Realisation dawns on Belle’s face. “Oh …”
I slurp obnoxiously, draining the last of my drink. “I’ll get the next round.” I leave the two staring after me as I saunter to the bar.
“Now who’s stalking who?” Harley raises an eyebrow.
“Ugh.” I roll my eyes. “This is the only place you can drink. Get over yourself.”
“There’s the RSL.”
“What?”
He leans on the bar. “The RSL serves alcohol.”
I stare at him.
“Fuck you. Get my drink.”
He smirks, throwing the rag he was using over his shoulder. “Yes, boss. Bourbon and coke?”
“Yes. And a cider for Belle.”
“Look at you.” He pouts annoyingly, but adorably. “Making friends.”
“Please don’t do that. Your face makes me feel nauseous.”
His eyes darken slightly. “Sure it does.”
I scowl at him before carrying the drinks back to the table. Jess is nowhere in sight. She was probably eager to get away from me.
“Well. That was awkward,” Belle comments with raised eyebrows, taking her drink. She takes a long gulp before gently placing it back down, then gives me a curious look as if studying me properly for the first time.
“Yep,” I reply.
“I didn’t make the connection.”
